Author: Peter

The xCW memory Keyer can run on the Mac while SmartSDR for the Flex Radio 6000 series is running in a virtual PC or even on another PC on the same network. You do not need xDax or xCat as xCW Memory Keyer handles all control functions on its own. xCW works great with dogparkSDR, SmartSDR for IOS and xSDR6000 if you prefer an all Mac solution as I do. If you use dogParkSDR you don’t really need xCW as dogParkSDR has a CWX program built in just like SmartSDR does. The primary advantage of xCW is if you run […]

The SDR Voice Keyer for SmartSDR v2.51 has been released. SDRVoiceKeyer can run on the Mac with dogparkSDR or FlexRadio SmartSDR running in a virtual PC or even on another Mac or Microsoft Windows PC on the same network. You do not need xDax or xCat as SDR Voice Keyer handles all audio and control functions on its own. Please refer to my previous article for instructions. Sorry it has taken me so long to get an updated version but it’s finally here. I expect to have a version for SmartSDR 3.x up by the end of the month. This version […]

Update April 10, 2019: Now that SmartSDR 3.0 has been released I most likely will have to do an update to the program. I have not upgraded yet as I have a couple of other programs I use that will not work with 3.0. The Voice keyer may work if you are not using multiFlex. I expect to update the Voice Keyer within the next couple of weeks when Doug K3TZR gets the framework I use updated.

A voice keyer for the Apple Mac is now available for download. The SDR Voice Keyer can run on the Mac with dogparkSDR or FlexRadio SmartSDR running in a virtual PC or even on another Mac or Microsoft Windows PC on the same network. You do not need xDax or xCat as SDR Voice Keyer handles all audio and control functions on its own.

Operation is quite simple. Make sure the DAX button on the SmartSDR P/CW panel is on or in the case of dogparkSDR select TX DAX in Preferences -> Radio -> TX DAX .

Click the button you want or on the keyboard use ⌘1…⌘0 for buttons 1 – 10 (if the SDR Voice Keyer has focus). The radio will be keyed and the audio transmitted. The Stop button or Esc will immediately stop any current transmission. You can adjust the Transmit Gain if necessary using the slider.

If you want to be reminded when to send your ID, check the ID Timer checkbox and a green flashing graphic will appear in front of the Send button. Click the Send button (or ⌘S) and your ID file will be sent.

Touch bar support is included if you have one of the newer MacBook Pro’s with a Touch Bar.

This is a busy DX year. Lots of ATNOs to be had. For me it has been VP8STI and VP8SGI, I had already worked Palmyra back in 2005. The next ATNO for me will be VK0EK Heard Island. The VP8s have been difficult and I expect VK0EK to be even more difficult. I managed one 40 meter QSO with VP8STI and a 30 meter QSO with VP8SGI. Last night I was trying to work VP8SGI on 20 meters CW. The QSB was really bad and there were a couple of times I thought he may have come back to me […]

New DX on the air today. Amsterdam Island, FT5ZM showed up on the air this morning.

I had stayed up late last night trying to work some new ones during the CQ WW 160 meter contest. I only have a short vertical for 160 so it’s tough and I have to maximize the contests. Overall I did ok, three new ones, Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Korea.